Canberra: Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters gathered outside Parliament House in Canberra on 10 March 2026 to mark the 67th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day. The event was jointly organised by the Australian Tibetan National Association and the Australia Tibet Council.
The programme opened with prayers honouring Tibetan compatriots who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause, followed by a reading of the Kashag’s statement by Representative Karma Singey.
The rally drew cross-party support from Australian federal parliamentarians, who called for the immediate closure of state-run boarding schools in Tibet, widely criticised for undermining Tibetan language, culture, and identity. Speakers also stressed that the Chinese government has no authority to interfere in the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict.
Parliamentarians addressing the gathering included David Smith MP, Senator Barbara Pocock, Senator Lidia Thorpe, Dr Sophie Scamps MP, Kate Chaney MP, Senator David Shoebridge, and Senator Steph Hodgins-May.
David Smith MP also addressed the House of Representatives on the anniversary. He said, “In the Dalai Lama’s 90th year, we join the global observance of the Year of Compassion, recognising His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to human rights, interfaith harmony, democracy, and the dignity of all people.”
He further added, “The people of Tibet face repressive policies that restrict cultural and religious identity. It is critical that Tibetans have the right to determine the identity of the next Dalai Lama using their traditional practices, without interference from the Chinese government.”
Following the rally, participants continued their peaceful protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Canberra. Similar events were held by Tibetan communities in Sydney, Victoria, Queensland, Newcastle, and the Blue Mountains to mark the 67th anniversary of the uprising.
– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Canberra 
